GamesTalents

GamesTalente is a nationwide competition and funding program that targets digitally and gaming-affine youth aged 13 to 16. Participants develop creative contributions on game design topics such as graphics, game mechanics, programming, music, story, and prototyping, and submit these online in specified file formats. A panel of experts uses the submissions as a basis for evaluation according to criteria such as idea/creativity, content and technical implementation, as well as development potential. The costs for the necessary software or hardware materials required to create the competition entries must be borne independently. Applications are accepted continuously, with the program start scheduled for February 1, 2026. Consent declarations from legal guardians as well as complete online registration are prerequisites for formal and timely participation.

The funding objective of GamesTalente is to strengthen the informatics and creative skills of young people and to promote interest in STEM subjects through playful engagement with digital technologies. As an incentivizing counterpart to the competition, a subsequent academy offers the best 50 submissions a one-week on-site deepening, during which students and educational professionals accompany the participants. Within this phase, technical and organizational skills are further developed, and teamwork and problem-solving competencies are expanded. GamesTalente combines creative inspiration with sound professional advice, creates networking opportunities, and contributes to sustainable talent promotion in the fields of digitalization, research, and innovation. The implementation of the program is supported as a grant measure by the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft e.V.